In December 1774, the nobility and gentry were informed (by advertisement), "That the Assemblies at Carlisle House will commence soon, under the conduct and direction of a New Manager;" but notwithstanding the efforts of this person, we find that Mrs. Cornellys resumed her revels here with great spirit in 1776. In 1778, Carlisle House was again publicly advertised to be sold by private contract, or "to be hired as usual;" and subsequently, after having been used as a common exhibition room of "Monstrosities," a "School of Eloquence," and "An Infant School of Genius," it closed its public career through the interference of the magistracy in 1797.
A full and particular account of the rise and fall of "Mrs. Cornelys' Entertainments at Carlisle House, Soho," was privately printed two or three years ago, by Thomas Mackinlay, Esq., of the firm of Dalmaine and Co., Soho Square.
Carlisle Street, Soho Square.—The large house at the end of this street, looking into the square, was formerly called Carlisle House. In 1770 it was purchased of Lord Delaval by the elder Angelo; who resided in it many years, and built a large riding-school at the back. Bach and Abel, of "Concert" notoriety, resided in the adjoining house. Carlisle Street was then called King's Square Court.
Catherine Street, Strand.—In 1714, a tract was published with the following title:—The Maypole's New Year's Gift or Thanks returned to his Benefactors, humbly inscribed to the Two Corners of Catherine Street, Strand; written by a Parishioner of St. Mary, Savoy.
Maiden Lane, Covent Garden.—The well known "Cider Cellar" in this lane was opened about 1730. There is a curious tract, entitled Adventures under Ground, 1750, which contains some strange notices of this "Midnight Concert Room."
Salisbury Change.—Cibber, in the amusing Apology for his Life, has the following:—
"Taste and fashion, with us, have always had wings, and fly from one public spectacle to another so wantonly, that I have been informed by those who remember it, that a famous puppet-show in Salisbury Change (then standing where Cecil Street now is), so far distressed these two celebrated companies, that they were reduced to petition the king for relief against it."
The New Exchange.—A good description of this once popular mart may be found in Lodwick Rowzee's Treatise on the Queene's Welles, Lond. 1632. It is as follows:—
"We went to see the New Exchange, which is not far from the place of the Common Garden, in the great street called the Strand. The building has a facade of stone, built after the Gothic style, which has lost its colour from age, and is becoming blackish. It contains two long and double galleries, one above the other, in which are distributed several rows great numbers of very rich shops, of drapers and mercers, filled with goods of every kind, and with manufactures of the most beautiful description. There are, for the most part, under the care of well-dressed women, who are busily employed in work, although many are served by young men, called apprentices."